KUALA LUMPUR, 19 October 2023: Batik Air will launch direct daily flights to Dubai from Kuala Lumpur on 11 November 2023, signalling a commitment to expand its network to tap the growing demand for travel between Malaysia and the Middle East.
The new flight to Dubai marks the second destination in the Middle East, following the recent launch of flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in August.
The airline will fly the KUL – DBX route daily until 1 February 2024, when it will cut back frequency to four times weekly.
To celebrate the launch of the Kuala Lumpur – Dubai route, Batik Air is offering roundtrip promotional fares as low as MYR2,249 for economy class and MYR4,999 for business class.
This flight will operate using a Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with 12 business class and 150 economy class seats.
Daily flight schedule
OD713 departs KUL at 2305 and arrives at DXB 0225 plus one day. OD714 departs DXB at 0405 and arrives at KUL 1535 7M8 D
Meanwhile, Batik Air has confirmed it will introduce three weekly flights to Istanbul Türkiye from its base in Kuala Lumpur starting on 9 February 2024 using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
According to advance timetables, flight OD723 will depart Kuala Lumpur at 1650 and arrive in Istanbul at 2245 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The return flight OD724 will depart Istanbul at 0005 and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 1555 on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
BANGKOK, 19 October 2023 Bangkok Airways will add flights between Lampang (LPT) and Mae Hong Son (HGN) from three to five weekly flights starting 29 October ahead of North Thailand’s peak season.
The privately owned airline started flights on the Mae Hong Son to Lampang route on 3 August after Nok Air discontinued the only airline service to the far northwest town surrounded by mountain ridges bordering Myanmar.
The increase in flights is a response to growing travel demand as the rainy season ends and cooler weather settles over northern Thailand. The cool season brings crowds of domestic tourists who head for Mae Hong Son province to chill out in Pai, a small mountain valley resort village halfway on the winding road between Chiang Mai and the provincial town of Mae Hong Son.
Effective 29 October, Bangkok Airways will fly to Mae Hong Son from Lampang, a town 90 km south of Chiang Mai, on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday using the 70-seat ATR72-600 aircraft. The flights originate at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, with a 30-minute stop in Lampang before flying to Mae Hong Son. Flight time is 40 minutes, with the lowest fare quoted at around THB1,500 one-way.
Previously, the airline served the route on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It is adding flights on Sunday and Saturday.
New flight schedule
PG205 departs Lampang at 1410 and arrives in Mae Hong Son at 1500. PG206 departs Mae Hong Son at 1530 and arrives in Lampang at 1610 DAYS: SUN/MON/WED/FRI/SAT
SINGAPORE, 19 October 2023: Singapore travellers are inspired by film and entertainment, with more than eight out of 10 choosing destinations based on a movie or TV show, according to Skyscanner’s ‘Travel Trends: Redefining Value through Experience in 2024 Report.
Photo credit: Skyscanner tracks where Singaporeans travel.
Blending proprietary flights and hotel data based on millions of searches with an annual consumer behaviour study, Skyscanner reveals 2024’s hottest travel vibes and types and the top 10 trending and best-value destinations.
Insights* reveal close to half (41%) of the respondents rate the overall ‘vibe’ of a destination as important when choosing where to go in 2024. Among four key travel vibes, set-jetting topped the charts in Singapore, with travellers wanting to slot themselves into their favourite show locations, embodying ‘Main Character Energy’.
Since 2001, the Korean Wave hit Singapore, K-drama and continues to hold a special place in Singapore travellers’ hearts.
Claiming the top spot in the destination list that Singaporeans are inspired to visit in 2024 is Jeju, South Korea, as depicted in a South Korean TV series, Our Blues.
This is followed by Christchurch, New Zealand, where ‘Lord of the Rings’ was filmed, and Paris, France, as seen in ‘Emily in Paris’.
Aside from Main Character Energy, the value of experiences is powering several other trends and travel vibes for 2024.
Gig tripping: 60% of Singapore travellers would fly to catch their favourite artist live in another country, with 46% willing to fly short haul and 14% saying they’d fly long haul. Around 28% of Singapore travellers plan to attend a gig or music concert abroad in 2024.
Budget bougie foodies: Eating and trying local authentic cuisine is the most popular activity for 54% of Singapore travellers. The report shows that that 30% of respondents have booked a destination to visit a specific restaurant. Osaka, nicknamed ‘the kitchen of Japan’, tops Skyscanner’s global list for foodies on a budget in 2024, and is the top trending destination amongst Singapore travellers.
Destination Zzzz: Sleeping ranks high on the Singaporean travellers’ main activities for their next holiday (23%), ranking above water sports (22%), wildlife spotting (19%) and snow sports (18%). This trend will likely continue as 39% of Singapore travellers attest to enjoying better sleep on holiday, likely due to the therapeutic escape a vacation offers.
With the thirst for experiences driving changes in consumers’ lifestyles today, Skyscanner identifies emerging traveller types in 2024.
Analogue adventurers: In an age of always-on and constant hype, Gen Zs are tending back towards old-school analogue adventures that ditch the digital device in favour of how it used to be done. One in five (19%) Singapore travellers aged 18 to 24 now bring a Polaroid camera on holiday.
Celebration vacationers: Singapore travellers are increasingly looking to celebrate big milestones in style. Two in three (64%) travellers have taken a group trip to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. However, the issue of cost often throws a spanner in the works – one in two (48%) said that agreeing on the expected costs of the trip is their primary hurdle when planning group trips, followed by knowing how or where to communicate with their group (43%).
Luxe-for-less seekers: To kick off their trip in style, 23% of Singapore travellers plan to upgrade their flight to business or first class in 2024, while 25% plan to purchase airport lounge access. However, five-star luxury doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Top Trending and Best Value Destinations
In the 2024 report, Singaporeans’ love for Japan continues to blossom, with the top two trending cities being foodie havens Osaka and the beautifully serene Fukuoka in first and second place.
Bustling Taipei rounds out the list of top trending destinations in third place. On the other hand, Indonesia came out top overall, securing the highest three spots for the Best Value Destinations category with Yogyakarta, Jakarta and Praya.
While Skyscanner sees 2024 as the year of redefining value through experience in travel, results find that Singaporeans grapple with the challenge of switching off while on vacation. Despite 89% of respondents acknowledging the importance of disconnecting during a trip, 34% report checking their work emails, with 23% even admitting they are searching for a new job during their overseas vacation.
Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destination Expert Cyndi Hui shares: “Singaporeans have shown themselves to be inspired travellers, driven by a strong desire to go where their imagination takes them. That said, we also see that the demands of modern life too often prevent us from committing ourselves to the present. “In 2024, we hope to help Singaporeans prioritise themselves, including fully embracing the many opportunities and experiences of travelling. With its suite of traveller-first tools, Skyscanner provides fuss-free travel planning, allowing you to live in the moment, free of distractions.”
The list of useful Skyscanner travel planning tools includes ‘Everywhere’ search, ‘Whole Month View’, and ‘Price Alerts’.
• Try a New Destination: Skyscanner offers travellers a ‘Everywhere’ search opportunity to ensure you can find the best available possibilities for your trip, based on your travel dates, all ranked by price.
• Be Flexible With Dates: Skyscanner’s ‘whole month’ search tool lets you see cheap flights immediately and pick the right deal. Consider travelling a day before or a day after your original departure dates. Flying on less popular days of the week is always cheaper.
• Be Price Smart: Setting up price alerts will ensure you’re the first to know as prices drop with any additional discounts or added supply. You can mark a flight you’re interested in, and Skyscanner will email you whenever a price drops.
SINGAPORE, 18 October 2023: A European river cruise line, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, will introduce two super ships SS Victoria and SS Elisabeth, for sailing in 2024 and 2025.
Uniworld will take over the ships from Seaside Collection under a three-year, bareboat charter agreement for each ship and deploy them on existing itineraries. The ships were part of the Crystal Cruises’ fleet known as Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler. The two identical ships can accommodate 110 guests in 55 suites and staterooms.
SS Victoria will be the first to set sail at the start of the 2024 season with a sailing from Amsterdam in March featuring an eight-day ‘Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time’ cruise through Belgium and The Netherlands, mixing the classic Amsterdam tulip experience with historic cities,
SS Victoria will sail an eight-day ‘Castles Along the Rhine’ itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam.
BANGKOK, 18 October 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts has named Francesco Pompilio as the new General Manager of Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, an adults-only playground renowned for its intimate private villas, adventurous water activities, and exquisite dining offerings.
Pompilio brings a wealth of international hotelier experience to his new role, having worked across prominent destinations, including Italy, the UK, the UAE, and Vietnam, for over two decades. His extensive background in hotel conversions, pre-opening preparations, operational excellence, and his dedication to cultivating remarkable guest and employee interactions align seamlessly with Centara’s commitment to exceptional hospitality.
David Good, Executive Vice President – Hotel Operations of Centara Hotels & Resorts, expressed his enthusiasm for this appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Francesco Pompilio to the Centara family. His track record of emphasising guest satisfaction and driving operational excellence is a testament to his expertise in the hospitality industry. With his leadership, we look forward to seeing Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives reach new heights.”
Pompilio himself is equally excited about joining Centara Hotels & Resorts, remarking, “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of General Manager at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives. Centara’s commitment to providing unforgettable experiences aligns with my passion for creating memorable moments for our guests. I look forward to contributing to the growth of this esteemed property as a haven for honeymooners, adventure-seekers, and adult travellers seeking to live out their own private island fantasy.”
Pompilio’s appointment marks a significant step forward for Centara Hotels & Resorts as they continue to expand their presence in the Maldives, promising guests at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives an enriching experience complemented by tantalising culinary delights and all-inclusive meal plan options, pristine white sand beaches for resort-wide activities and beach games, and a sparkling lagoon providing the perfect setting for snorkelling and thrilling water sports. At the same time, some of the top dive sites in the Maldives are a short boat ride away. For more information on Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/crf
PATTAYA, 18 October 2023: The Royal Cliff Hotels Group once again shined at the 32nd Annual TTG Travel Awards 2023 Ceremony & Gala Dinner as the group received its 15th Hall of Fame Award during the glamorous event.
Royal Cliff Hotel Group CEO Vitanart Vathanakul attended the annual travel industry awards ceremony, honouring stellar organisations and individuals for their achievements and contributions to the industry.
Photo Caption: Vitanart Vathanakul, CEO of Royal Cliff Hotels Group (centre), receives the TTG Travel Hall of Fame Award from Millicent Cruz Paredes, Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Thailand (left), and Darren Tan, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media Ltd (right) at the 32nd Annual TTG Awards 2023.
For over a decade, the legendary hospitality of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group has consistently been acknowledged by its renowned peers in the travel industry and its guests from around the world.
Standing out from an abundance of luxury hotels is no easy feat, but with its unrivalled services and facilities, Royal Cliff Hotels Group has set a benchmark for extraordinary guest experiences and elevated hospitality standards.
Since 2002, the Travel Hall of Fame award was created to establish a permanent home in honour of the region’s most exclusive and outstanding organisations. The Royal Cliff Hotels Group outshined all the stars in 2006 by receiving the TTG Travel Hall of Fame Award for the first time and has resided among an elite group of top organisations in the Asia-Pacific ever since. Consistently providing its unique brand of Thai hospitality, the Royal Cliff team has received over 280 awards from well-renowned organisations worldwide.
“Being honoured with this prestigious recognition for the 15th year is truly humbling for us,” the Royal Cliff Hotels Group CEO commented. “The greatest accolade for the Royal Cliff team is consistently meeting and surpassing our guests’ expectations. This award underlines our unwavering dedication to offering unmatched and memorable experiences. We pride ourselves in blending luxury with outstanding comfort, and this award is a testament to our commitment to setting the gold standard in guest satisfaction and service. We remain committed to enhancing our hospitality brand, ensuring every guest leaves enchanted, delighted, and fulfilled.”
Perched atop a 64-acre private estate with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group boasts four award-winning hotels and charming travellers from all corners of the world. Book an exceptional holiday directly with Royal Cliff with a guaranteed best price, plus exclusive value-added extras. Visit www.royalcliff.com, call reservations at (+66) 38 250 421 ext: 2732, or email [email protected].
SIEM REAP, Cambodia, 18 October 2023: Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) officially opened for commercial flights on 16 October, with seven regional airlines successfully shifting operations from the old airport Siem Reap International Airport (REP).
As of today, AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Cambodia Angkor, Lao Airlines,Singapore Airlines, Thai AirAsia and Vietnam Airlines are serving the new airport.
Bangkok Airways makes the inaugural flight to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport on the opening day 16 October.
However, other airlines are scheduled to fly to SAI by the end of the month, including China Eastern Airlines and Thai Airways, as it takes over Thai Smile flights across the region.
A Chinese company, Yunnan Investment Holdings Limited, commenced airport construction in July 2018. The project will cost USD880 million for the three-phase development that occupies a 750-hectare site 55 km from Siem Reap town. Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is currently the largest airport in Cambodia, capable of serving up to 7 million passengers during its first phase.
SINGAPORE, 18 October 2023: Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, joins SIA’s annual Time to Fly Travel Fair from 3 to 5 November 2023 at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre Halls 405 and 406.
Scoot will offer 200,000 seats at discounted fares to more than 50 destinations for travel between November 2023 and October 2024.
Fare deals start at SGD68 to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and SGD140 to Taipei in Taiwan. In addition, those who purchase Scoot flights during the Fair will also stand a chance to win daily lucky draw prizes, including travel vouchers worth up to SGD5,000, which can be used to redeem flight tickets and add-ons such as additional baggage allowance, in-flight meals, and seat upgrades.
The travel deals will remain be bookable on Scoot’s website between 3 and 16 November 2023.
DOHA Qatar, 18 October 2023: Qatar Airways is the latest and largest airline to collaborate with Starlink to pave the way for a rollout of complimentary high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity onboard specific aircraft and routes.
Once the service is active, passengers can enjoy ultra-fast Wi-Fi speeds of up to 350 Megabits per second, which can be used for various internet-based services such as video streaming favourite entertainment and sports videos, gaming and enriched web-browsing.
The revolutionary Starlink satellite communications system powers the high-speed and low-latency network – the world’s largest satellite internet constellation engineered and operated by SpaceX. Qatar Airways and Starlink are in the pre-launch phase of the rollout strategy across the Qatar Airways fleet.
Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “This exciting collaboration is not only in line with our industry-leading approach to technological adoption but also an unmissable opportunity to connect Starlink to our global passengers. We look forward to our passengers benefitting from this state-of-the-art addition to Qatar Airways’ in-flight experience.”
Qatar Airways is the latest airline to partner with Starlink. It is also being implemented by JSX, Hawaiian Airlines, airBaltic, and ZIPAIR.
DELHI, 18 October 2023: SriLankan Airlines was crowned the Leading International Airline – South Asia at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) in Bangalore, India, earlier this week.
The airline also secured the Leading Airline Class – Business Class title at the awards ceremony. Touted as the region’s most prestigious travel industry award, SATA recognises the most outstanding performers in South Asia’s hospitality and travel industry annually based on the votes of industry professionals and passengers.
Having also received the ‘Visitors Choice – Airline of the Year’ citation at last year’s SATA, SriLankan Airlines continues to prove its strong position in South Asia with this year’s dual wins.
The airline currently operates 140 weekly flights between Colombo and multiple South Asian cities across India, the Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
SriLankan Airlines regional manager for India, Bangladesh & Nepal, Ravindran V, commented: “This region has been key to our progress and represents a significant percentage of SriLankan Airlines’ operations. Being recognised inspires us to remain and grow as a trailblazer in South Asia and give our customers the best Sri Lankan service and connectivity as we move forward.”
The airline’s South Asian network covers key destinations across India, including Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi; Karachi and Lahore in Pakistan; Kathmandu in Nepal; and Dhaka in Bangladesh.
SriLankan Airlines is the only international carrier to operate to both Male and Gan Island in the Maldives, making it a preferred choice of passengers heading from Europe, the Middle East, India and East Asia to the picturesque Maldives.
